Gachagua says loyalty to Kalonzo is personal, not political
By Cy Muganda, January 10, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that his alliance with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is a family matter and not merely a political arrangement, dismissing attempts by other political players to break their bond.
Speaking during the funeral of the late Mzee Jonathan Kiilu in Machakos County on Saturday, January 10, 2026, Gachagua addressed criticism about his relationship with Kalonzo, which has been scrutinised amid ongoing political alignments.
The former DP said he has noticed ODM leaders attempting to court Kalonzo while demanding that he be left out of any potential coalition.
“I saw ODM people telling Kalonzo, ‘we want you, but we don’t want that one’. Now, will you tell someone to abandon their brother?” Gachagua said.
He emphasised that his relationship with Kalonzo transcends political convenience and is rooted in family ties.
“I am not with Kalonzo because of politics. No. I am with Kalonzo because this is my family. This is a family issue,” Gachagua stated.
Warning to rivals
The former Deputy President issued a stern warning to President William Ruto and his allies, telling them to leave his family alone.
“I want to tell Kasongo (Ruto) and his people, leave our family alone. I don’t know if you have your own families,” Gachagua said.
He added that family matters are discussed privately and not in public forums.
“How do you know about family matters? We discuss our issues at home as a family. What we plan as a family inside, you will not know,” he stated.
Affirming Kalonzo’s leadership
Gachagua sought to rally the Machakos crowd behind Kalonzo’s leadership, asking mourners to confirm their support for the Wiper leader.
“Let me ask you, our people, who is your leader?” Gachagua asked, to which the crowd responded: “Kalonzo.”
He pressed further: “Is there another one?” to which the crowd responded: “No.”